New columns, Venetian mosaics being added to the chapel and atrium areas in the Magdala Center

Working on the chapels at the Magdala Center

Development of the Magdala Center in the hometown of
Mary Magdalene in the Holy Land is underway.

“We are starting
an intense week at the center,” said Fr. Juan Solana
LC, in a recent Facebook post. Fr. Juan is the
director of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Pontifical Institute, which
oversees the Magdala Center project.

One of the most recent developments
in the project has been the installation of Venetian mosaics
in the four side chapels in the Church being build
there on the Sea of Galilee, near Jerusalem.

“They are four
windows to help the pilgrim contemplate the life of Jesus,”

The center under construction

said Fr. Juan.

The first of the mosaics depicts the resurrection
of the daughter of Jairus.

“This is a unique resurrection in
Scripture, this raising of this young woman,” said Fr. Juan.
“It is an interesting focus in our center which focuses
on the dignity of women.”

The second mosaic portrays the exorcism
of Mary Magdalene (see Mark 16:9).

“Many people are amazed at
this subject because they don’t remember the reference to Mary
Magdalene being exorcised from seven demons,” said Fr. Juan. “This
is an original theme, having never really has been portrayed
in art.”

The third mosaic illustrates Jesus walking on the Lake

A model of the finished center

of Tiberias, when he called Peter to come to Him
from the boat. The last depicts the call of the
disciples on the seashore, where Jesus says, "Come and I
will make you fishers of men."

“I am very excited and
anxious for the installation of these beautiful mosaics,” said Fr.
Juan. “I ask for your prayers for blessing on this
project.”

Due to an agreement with the artist, photos of the
mosaics are not yet available, and will be posted at
a later date on this website.

Another development at the Magdala
Center is the construction of eight columns in the atrium
area. The columns record the names of the women mentioned
in Scripture who followed Jesus closely during his ministry. (More
details to come!)

With this inviting new atmosphere developing in the

A column in the atrium

church and atrium area, the Magdala will be a “homeland
for Christian women in the Holy land,” said Fr. Juan.

For
more information on the Magdala Center and its

Fr. Juan in the chapel dedicated to the resurrection of Jairus' daughter.